Homeless shelter to stay open during Republican convention

Associated Press

ST. PAUL — A homeless shelter will stay open while the Republican National Convention goes on across the street in St. Paul.

Catholic Charities operates a shelter and drop-in center near Xcel Energy Center, site of the GOP convention in early September.

The Reverend John Estrem, CEO of Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, says it was "a tough call." He says the charity has "300 to 400 clients who have needs."

"We have almost a covenant with these folks," Estrem said. " We will provide for you, we are not going to move you around like a bunch of animals."

Estrem says the shelter will be "outside the absolute secure zone" for the convention.